During the Provincial Synod in Valparaíso, Bishop Greg Venables was unanimously re-elected as Primate for a third term. Give thanks for the fruitful meetings and pray for Bishop Greg and his wife Sylvia in their many responsibilities and varied roles.
The Diocese of San Joaquin (USA) and the Anglican Diocese of Recife have been welcomed into the Province of the Southern Cone. This follows the passing of a motion to allow conservative dioceses that are defecting from the pro-gay American branch of Anglicanism to find a haven there. "This is a pivotal moment in the history of the Anglican Communion. The new realignment demonstrates the depths of the divisions that already exist", comments Bishop Greg. May God’s Spirit guide the practicalities of this alternative primatial oversight and heal the deep hurts.
Change of direction
‘During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.’ Acts 16.9-10
Su Fischer, former Latin Volunteer from Chile, is back in the UK with husband Matías, preparing for mission service – but not where they thought…
‘We were very happy and enthusiastic preparing to board the Doulos Ship in January 2008, but God changed our plans. He closed that door because there was no room for couples. We wondered, “Why are you doing this, Lord, what’s your will in this?” But we knew that HE WAS IN CONTROL and nothing escapes from his hands. Soon he led us somewhere else: we got invitations to join teams in Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Albania, Tajikistan, Arabian Peninsula, Turkey …. The Lord opened a door and told us that His will for us was to go to ALBANIA.
‘Yes, the Lord changed our plans, just like he did with Paul and Timothy in Acts 16!’
After training in the UK, Germany and Budapest, Su and Matías hope to go to Albania in March.
Thanks to God
First let’s give thanks to God for a most encouraging home and overseas staff conference in Sussex earlier this week. Various mission partners who were present are now continuing their UK ministry with visits to link churches. Please pray, therefore, for Alf & Hilary Cooper and David & Jean Hucker from Chile and Tony & Chris Somervell, Tim Curtis and Bishop John & Judie Ellison from Paraguay. Please remember also those not able to attend the conference but active on church visits - Terry & Pancha Barratt from Chile and Linn Tedman from Paraguay.
Prayers in January- CHILE
3 The diocesan youth leaders’ camp is held this week until 7th. Pray for the teaching and learning from God’s Word and for the sharing, so all may be encouraged to persevere and build a young and vibrant church.
4 Uphold Bishop Tito & Miriam Zavala and family, for health and stamina in leadership and visits to oversee and encourage pastors and congregations.
5 Remember Bishop Abelino & Paty Apeleo, thanking God for their ministry during visits to Chaco churches in Northern Argentina, as well as to their own Mapuche pastors and congregations in Chile. Pray for the new academic year next month in the Temuco Bible School and the William Wilson School.
6 Terry & Pancha Barratt are currently looking after his elderly parents in the UK. Pray for that, for his continuing work with SEAN, and remember the isolated Pehuenche people and their leaders, that they make grow in Word and Spirit.
7 Pray for the church family in Arica to remain faithful to the Lord and to encourage one another while David & Jean Hucker, Wesley & Caleb are on UK leave. As the SAMS Staff Conference begins at Dalesdown, Sussex, today, pray for new vision and spiritual refreshment for Home Staff and Mission Partners.
8 Pray for Bruce & Bron Hallyburton in Antofagasta, for opportunities to minister to holidaymakers and for God’s guidance in all their plans with the church for 2008.
9 Pray for a good summer break for James Palmer and César Guzmán, Director of the Centre for Pastoral Studies (CEP). James plans a visit to the US and Honduras for a SAMS USA conference and to Guatemala for a course of language study. Pray for further progress in Spanish to make teaching at CEP easier for him and his students this year.
10 Praise God for the life and growth of La Trinidad congregation, Santiago. Pray that Alf & Hilary Cooper may be used by God during UK ministry and receive blessing themselves. Pray for their family as they serve the Lord here and in Chile.
11 John & Linda Cobb are on leave prior to retirement in March, returning to live in Chile in April. Pray for them as they adjust to a new way of life, for the lay leaders in Vitacura church and for its expansion, and for community ministry to older people in the Santiago region.
12 Pray for Daniel & Ellelein Kirk, David andJoshua; his Bible students, the youth group and Sunday School head Marcela Muñoz with the children and teachers in Gómez Carreño. Also for the Regional Youth Camp starting this weekend.
13 Remember Pastor Danny & Ary Morrison leading the Gómez Carreño church, also Marion Morrison and the congregations in Concepción, for deepening faith and unity for all.
14 Pray for St Peter’s, Viña del Mar, and new chaplain Richard Pamplin; for them to be united in God’s love and to have his vision for the future.
15 Pray for Nicolás Gana, Head of St Paul’s School, plus staff and students during their summer break. Pray that volunteer Maryke Walraven enjoys some travelling and holiday before returning to be English teaching assistant for another term; for continuing good relationships with the students and friendships within the youth group.
16 Remember Pablo & Pamela Zavala and the council of Redeemer Church, La Serena, as they plan for this new year; for discipleship, evangelism and growth.
